Apparatus and method for applying an end plug to a fuel rod tube end
US4660270A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1985 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53478
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for applying an end plug to a nuclear fuel rod tube end includes a stationary base, a support carriage and a track assembly mounting the support carriage on the base for reciprocal movement relative to the base. The carriage is movable along a generally linear path between extreme positions located remote from and adjacent to the stationarily-positioned tube end to which the end plug is to be applied. The apparatus also includes a plugger guide supported on the carriage for movement therewith. The plugger guide has an elongated central bore with one end for receiving the end plug and an opposite end for receiving the tube end. An end plug supply magazine, mounted on the carriage and which in turn mounts the plugger guide, delivers the end plug into alignment with the one end of the plugger guide's central bore. An actuator stationarily disposed on the base adjacent to the carriage includes a drive member movable between retracted and extended positions and coupled to the carriage via a drive force aligning and transmitting assembly. The drive force transmitting assembly includes a plunger element aligned with the central bore of the plugger guide for transferring the e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.